East Jordan teacher investigated

March 24, 2011

Paula Annette Vollbach, 49, of East Jordan, surrendered to authorities on Wednesday after being charged with misdemeanor assault and battery. She could spend 93 days behind bars and pay a $500 fine, if convicted.

EAST JORDAN — A local elementary school teacher faces criminal charges after an alleged assault.

Paula Annette Vollbach, 49, of East Jordan, surrendered to authorities on Wednesday after being charged with misdemeanor assault and battery. She could spend 93 days behind bars and pay a $500 fine, if convicted.

East Jordan Police Chief Dale Boehm Jr. declined to comment on the case.

“It’s an ongoing investigation,” he said.

Documents at the 90th District Court do not specify the nature of the alleged assault, but conditions of Vollbach’s $2,000 personal recognizance bond prevent her from having contact with the victim or entering East Jordan Public School property.

Vollbach’s next scheduled court appearance is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, at Charlevoix’s district courthouse. She is expected to be arraigned on the assault charge authorized this week by Charlevoix County Prosecutor John Jarema.

Jarema could not be reached on Thursday for comment.

Susan Wooden, East Jordan schools superintendent, said in a written statement that a teacher is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into an allegation by students.

“It is our policy not to discuss personnel issues out of respect and fairness to our employees and students,” Wooden said in the prepared statement. “Our focus is on completing the investigation in a fair and impartial fashion. The board of education and the administration are committed to acting in the best interest of East Jordan Public Schools, its students and employees, by ensuring the fair administration of the school district’s legal and personnel procedures.”

Vollbach is an art teacher at East Jordan Elementary and worked for the district for the last 20 years. She could not be reached for comment.

Charlevoix County Sheriff Don Schneider said officials booked and released Vollbach on Wednesday.

“Paula Vollbach did turn herself in on a simple assault warrant,” he said.

Vollbach is heavily involved with the drama program at East Jordan’s high and middle schools and serves as the program director. The E.J. Thespians are still scheduled perform the iconic play “My Fair Lady” on Friday and Saturday, March 25-26.